Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and Siemens VDO Automotive Corp. have developed a new software program that alerts drivers with low pressure warning systems to psi losses.
The system delivers a "warning" message that indicates a critical loss of pressure and a less-urgent "convenience" message that suggests more air should be added to tires.
System psi threshold levels can be adjusted.
The software also can calculate recommended inflation pressure based on factors like ambient temperature, tire load, speed of vehicle and driving habits.
"The system draws on Goodyear's expertise in tires, tire inflation pressure and temperature monitoring and interpretation," says John Sanderson, Siemens president and CEO. "Siemens' proficiency is in electronics, secured radio frequency transmission and vehicle system integration technologies."
Goodyear and Siemens call the software "the first step toward the next generation of tire pressure monitoring systems which will be battery-less and tire-embedded as part of the total Siemens VDO/Goodyear Low Pressure Monitoring System targeted for automakers. The software also will be available for sale to improve existing low pressure warning systems."
